Pre-requisites

Restrictions

Overview

Aims:
To understand the nature of the solar activities, emissions and its properties, and its effects on the Earths atmosphere and the near-Earth space within which spacecraft operate.
To have a familiarity with the modes of operation of remote sensing and communications satellites, understanding their function and how their instruments work
To be familiar with the current space missions to Mars and their impact on our understanding of that planet.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding of physical laws and principles in Solar System Science, and their application to diverse areas of physics.

Aspects of the theory and practice of astronomy, astrophysics and space science, and of those aspects upon which astronomy, astrophysics and space science depends.

An ability to identify relevant principles and laws when dealing with problems in Solar System Science, and to make approximations necessary to obtain solutions.

An ability to solve problems in Solar System Science using appropriate mathematical tools.

An ability to use mathematical techniques and analysis to model physical behaviour in Solar System Science.

An ability to comment critically on how spacecraft are designed, their principles of operation, and their use to access and explore space, and on how telescopes (operating at various wavelengths) are designed, their principles of operation, and their use in astronomy and astrophysics research.

An ability to present and interpret astronomy, astrophysics and space science information graphically.

An ability to make use of appropriate texts, research-based materials or other learning resources as part of managing their own learning.

Problem-solving skills, in the context of both problems with well-defined solutions and open-ended problems. Numeracy is subsumed within this area.

Analytical skills  associated with the need to pay attention to detail and to develop an ability to manipulate precise and intricate ideas, to construct logical arguments and to use technical language correctly.

University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.